Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month

Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month is a lively celebration that highlights Florida’s delicious winter strawberries. The event is all about enjoying these sweet, juicy fruits at their peak. You can find them fresh and ready to eat in markets across the state.

This celebration aligns perfectly with Valentine’s Day, making it a great time to enjoy strawberries dipped in chocolate or other delightful treats​.

This month-long event honors the hard work of local farmers and the ideal growing conditions in Florida. The state’s mild winter creates perfect conditions for producing high-quality strawberries, renowned for their flavor and sweetness. During this time, people are encouraged to enjoy strawberries in various forms, from fresh snacks to delicious desserts​​.

Celebrating Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month is not just about eating strawberries but also about supporting local agriculture. It highlights the nutritional benefits of strawberries, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Whether you visit a local strawberry farm, attend a festival, or try new recipes at home, this month is a great opportunity to indulge in one of Florida’s finest fruits and appreciate the local farming community’s efforts.

How to Celebrate Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month

Pick-Your-Own Adventure

Take a trip to a local strawberry farm. Spend a fun-filled day picking the ripest berries straight from the vine. Delight in the fresh air and the excitement of finding the juiciest strawberries. A perfect activity for families and friends looking to connect with nature and enjoy a sweet treat at the same time​.

Culinary Creations

Experiment in the kitchen with strawberry-based recipes. Whip up a strawberry shortcake, blend a fresh strawberry smoothie, or even try your hand at making strawberry jam. The possibilities are endless and delicious. Let the vibrant red berries inspire your culinary creativity and fill your home with the sweet aroma of strawberries​.

Strawberry Festival Fun

Attend a local strawberry festival. These events are packed with games, contests, and endless strawberry treats. Enjoy strawberry shortcakes, milkshakes, pies, and more. Live music and rides add to the festive atmosphere. Perfect for a day of fun and indulgence with friends and family​.

Strawberry Art

Get crafty with strawberries! Create strawberry-themed artwork or decorations. Use strawberries as stamps to make fun patterns, or paint them for a unique piece of art. This activity is especially fun for kids and brings a fruity touch to your home decor​​.

Berry Good Health

Incorporate strawberries into your daily diet for a healthy boost. Add them to your morning cereal, or salads, or eat them as a snack.Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, strawberries are a delicious way to stay healthy and enjoy the flavors of the season​​.

History of Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month

Fabulous Florida Strawberry Month started to bring attention to the peak strawberry season in Florida. The Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) initiated this celebration.

Their goal was to highlight the unique advantage Florida has in producing sweet, ripe strawberries during the winter months when other regions cannot​.

The idea took root in Plant City, known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. Henry B. Plant, a key figure in the area’s development, helped establish the market for strawberries by constructing a rail line to Tampa. This move boosted the local strawberry industry significantly​.

February was chosen for this celebration because it marks the height of the strawberry harvest. Thanks to Florida’s mild winter climate, strawberries are at their best during this month. In addition, this is the season when the Florida Strawberry Festival takes place — and has been for almost a century!

The FSGA and local farmers wanted to promote this period to ensure people enjoy the freshest and sweetest strawberries while also supporting local agriculture​​.